Intake RN 7p-7a shift

Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital•Desoto, TX

About The Position

The Intake RN provides professional nursing care to patients in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. The role assesses patient needs, plans and implements nursing care, evaluates progress, and modifies care plans as needed. The nurse provides education to patients and families and directs nursing support staff through appropriate delegation and supervision. The position includes conducting intake assessments, collaborating with interdisciplinary professionals, administering medications, maintaining patient records and confidentiality, and helping maintain a safe environment for patients and staff. The role also involves crisis intervention, coordinating additional medical attention when necessary, and supporting patients’ understanding of emotional disturbances and treatment. The listed shift is 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.; applicants are asked to indicate shift availability. Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.

Requirements

ADN or BSN from an accredited college or university.
Valid Texas RN license in good standing.
CPR and Behavior Managing Program certification; the Behavior Managing Program certification must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
At least 2 years of clinical experience; behavioral healthcare, phone triage, tele-health, or case management experience is preferred, or a combination of education and experience.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Knowledge of patient rights, mental health laws, psychiatric nursing regulations, and treatment of mentally and emotionally disturbed patients.
Knowledge of psychotherapy theories and techniques, psychiatric symptoms and behavior patterns, mental health diagnosis and treatment, nursing practices, and social, psychological, and physical factors related to mental and emotional disorders.
Knowledge of medical and psychological terminology, medications including psychotropic drugs, medication control and administration, and psychopharmacy.
Knowledge of acute psychosis treatment, non-violent crisis intervention, medical and psychiatric emergency procedures, and abnormal psychology in child and adolescent populations.
Ability to apply nursing care principles in evaluating and treating psychiatric patients and to develop therapeutic relationships with them.
Ability to communicate effectively, remain calm in sensitive situations, use sound judgment, and provide prompt and responsive service.
Strong written and oral communication, problem-solving, organizational, time-management, and crisis-intervention skills; basic teaching and training skills are helpful.
Must successfully pass a background check, drug screen, and physical, and provide positive employment references.
Must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform the physical demands described in the posting, including lifting or moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
BLS, ACLS, and CPI certifications.
Clinical experience in a behavioral healthcare setting, phone triage, tele-health, or case management.
Basic teaching and training skills.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care, including addressing social and emotional needs, supervising medication schedules, and evaluating patient progress.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary professionals to determine and provide appropriate patient care.
Maintain a safe and secure environment for patients and staff.
Encourage patients to participate in support groups, social activities, and other therapeutic measures.
Conduct intake assessments and interview patients and relatives to gather case histories.
Plan and provide nursing care and make nursing diagnoses of patients’ medical and emotional status.
Recommend treatment options and consult with psychiatrists and behavioral health staff on treatment plans.
Administer psychotropic drugs and other medications and document patient reactions.
Arrange additional medical attention when necessary.
Help clients understand emotional disturbances and accept the need for treatment.
Maintain accurate written charts and records of patient activities, progress, treatments, immunizations, and laboratory results.
Comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures.
Use professional judgment to select and apply interventions for patients in crisis.
Monitor vital signs and pain, and ensure pain is treated.
Document patient information in medical charts and follow physicians’ written orders.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Perform administrative tasks, including filing, answering phones, typing, and completing progress notes in the computer system.
Organize activities and schedules for medical and non-medical tasks during the shift and serve as a role model for clinical and interpersonal skills.
Facilitate or co-facilitate process-oriented and didactic groups.